Linda Strickler and her team of volunteers have been extending a helping hand for the past ten years. 

Strickler operates a pantry at Faith United Methodist Church, 104 N. Potomac St., Waynesboro. 

"It is very beneficial, we can meet some good people who need help," she said. "Some people have been here for a long time, and some people have been here for a short time. All our volunteers are church members and many of them have been involved for many years; we all take it very seriously." 

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Although the pantry is open all year round, Thanksgiving is a busy time for this faith organization. Volunteers recently distributed bags containing festive meals. 

"We offer families a choice of turkey, ham, roast chicken or pork tenderloin. We have a lot of single elderly services, so we provide options because they may not want to cook a whole turkey," Strickler said . 

Before and after the holidays, as many people have to decide what to buy or how to make ends meet, volunteers around Franklin County are helping.

A pantry can help reduce the burden. 

"They are very grateful. You can tell from their attitude," said volunteer Bev Flegel. "It is a blessing to help others."

According to Strickler, the organization provides services to approximately 70 households each month, of which nearly 200 are registered. "Some people don't come often, but when they come back and need it, we are always here," she said. 

"As a community outreach ministry of faith, as Christians and people of faith, our mission is to help the community and extend a helping hand. Using pantry as an option allows families to use funds for other purposes ." 

Like the volunteers at Waynesboro Church, the people at Chambersburg Church strive to be good neighbors for everyone. At the New Guildford Brothers in Christ Church, the annual Thanksgiving dinner helps to promote this mission. 

Approximately 30 to 40 people-members of the congregation and some family members-will spend at least a few hours during the holidays providing turkey service to approximately 200 people. Some people will go to work the day before, work in the kitchen, and make sure everything is ready for the big show. 

"Part of our mission statement is to serve the community in the name of Jesus. This is part of how we feel about ourselves," said Pastor Lawton Jacobs.

This will be the fourth year that New Guilford BIC will provide free Thanksgiving meals. Jacobs initially contacted another local church and asked if his congregation could help, but it turned out that the church was ending its Thanksgiving program. So, he and his team began to plan their own dinner.

Jacobs’ favorite part of having dinner is working in the kitchen.

"I like to help prepare food there," he said.

Last year, Jacobs stepped up to help delivery drivers. They are busier than ever, because due to COVID-19, dinner can only be provided through delivery and takeaway. Dine-in will resume this year, but reservations and delivery will still be options for reservations.

Jacobs hopes that outreach events like Thanksgiving dinner can help people who are not close to the church still feel they can lend a hand when they need help.

"I really like the idea of ​​us becoming a community-oriented church, where people, even if they don't come here often, see us as part of the community and are willing to call us."

After taking COVID-19 precautions, Faith United’s food pantry has extended its business hours from 2 pm to Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am to 11 am 

"Anyone in the Waynesboro area who needs it is welcome," Strickler said. "The only thing we ask for is to provide proof of residence in the area and a self-declaration form." 

Available items include frozen meat, a variety of canned and dried products, and weekly products, from potatoes and broccoli to watermelon. 

For more information about the church and pantry, please visit Faithumcway.susumc.org.

Although 24 hours notice is required for takeout and delivery, anyone can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at the church. 

The service hours are from 11 am to 1 pm. The church is located at 1575 Mont Alto Road in Chambersburg.